Remembering Kaye Kiker

Alabama Artist and Environmental Activist

If you ever met Kaye Kiker, her name brings a smile to your heart because she always had a smile for everyone. Kaye’s sweet soul left earthly confines on March 18, 2026. She was a talented stained glass artisan and a dedicated environmental activist.

She is survived by husband, Douglas Kiker; her sister, Muriel “Mert” Phillips; several nieces and nephews; her cousin Barbara Scott; other family members; and a host of friends across the Southeast.

Kaye and Doug, the Black Hat Poet, retired to Mentone in 2008 to enjoy the eclectic atmosphere of the mountain and to join other artistic friends already in the community. Their love story started when they were young in York, Alabama. Kaye’s grandmother lived near Doug and set her heart on having him as a part of the family. When the granddaughter planned a visit, grandma invited Doug over for supper.

On Dec. 23, 1971, Doug and Kaye were wed. They were a typical rural couple working mill jobs. In the 70s, Kaye met a man from Meridian who taught stained glass art classes only 10 miles away. That’s where she discovered her creative outlet. As time passed, she became an active part of increasing access to the arts in York. She helped start a museum in an old tire recapping building. The tall ceilings made a great transition into two separate floors hosting both an art museum and a library. Kaye later served as director of Coleman Center for the Arts in York from 1997 to 2003. In 2001, she and Doug opened the Opera House Antiques and Gifts and lived in the upstairs portion. This kept them busy until retirement.

Doug speaks fondly of his favorite piece of Kaye’s work, “Angel of Color.” This stained glass beauty stood 5 feet tall. Kaye also customized a set of windows measuring 18 inches by 19 feet. Doug said that was a tense and unforgettable drive with those elegant beveled stained glass portions that were assembled at the home.

Kaye also created the Shattered Glass Ceiling Award for the Progressive Women of Northeast Alabama to present to Jackson County Circuit Judge Jennifer Holt in 2013. She was proud to repurpose 100-year-old discarded glass from a sewing factory. Kay filled her home with particularly creative pieces of art from many recycled objects, not just stained glass.

Kaye was a uniquely inspiring woman. With a kind voice, she spoke her mind and never wavered on her beliefs. At a birthday gathering with her artistic friends in the late 70s, Kaye learned of a recently opened hazardous waste landfill in their county, Sumter. Employees did not have safety wear. Material melted employees’ shoes while they worked. Kaye and friends organized a citizens’ task force called Alabamians for a Clean Environment. According to JSU archives, she also started the West Alabama Community Action Network.

Though the landfill was never closed, larger organizations such as Greenpeace joined the effort, which eventually led to improvements. For operating without a license, the first fine was $1 million, not very significant to a multi-million dollar company. It’s thought that the land will not be fit to live on for thousands of years. Other judgements and changes followed. Because the landfill was one of the largest employers in the county and a source of income for local government, the population had mixed feelings about the landfill closing. This made the situation somewhat dangerous. Doug stated their house was shot into multiple times by people trying to deter Kaye from speaking out. She continued to be an outstanding environmental activist.

Kaye received numerous awards for her environmental work, including the 1988 Alabama Volunteer of the Year award from Governor Guy Hunt. That same year, Kaye received a medal from President Ronald Reagan. It was the first such award he gave for environmental activism.

She called Doug at work and said, “Are you sitting down?”

Doug, fearing the worst, said “Just tell me what you need to tell me.”

Kaye said “The White House called.”

Doug: “What White House?”

Kaye: “The one where Reagan lives!”

Kaye was also asked to speak to Congress as a witness to better laws for regulation of toxic waste. Doug said their life together was very good overall with many memorable moments. Regardless of the hazards, Kaye was honored to be a caretaker of nature, which she viewed as a divine creation. Her beautiful light shone through her smile as brilliantly as stained glass projects the sunshine. Rest in peace, sweet Kaye.